\u201cAfter the great challenge of this year\u2014the final exams\u2014our two groups were finally able to meet again. It was such a joy to see each other after so long. Even during the bus ride, we started sharing what had happened in our lives lately. After recovering from the long journey, we set out on Monday to explore the city. As we headed toward the city center, our tour guide introduced us to the highlights of Belgrade.<\/p>\n
Our first stop was the Kalemegdan Fortress, where we learned about its historical significance. Located at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, it is one of Belgrade\u2019s most famous historic sites. Due to its strategic importance, it changed hands many times throughout history, including being held by the Hungarians. Once known as N\u00e1ndorfeh\u00e9rv\u00e1r, it was famously defended by Hungarian forces led by Hunyadi against the massive Turkish army of Sultan Mehmed II. This victory not only protected Hungary but also temporarily halted the Ottoman expansion into Europe. In memory of this triumph, the Pope ordered the noon bell to be rung, a tradition that still continues in many places today to honor Hunyadi\u2019s heroism.<\/p>\n
Within the fortress, we visited the Ru\u017eica Church, which had been destroyed and rebuilt several times throughout history, finally taking its current form in 1925 after damage during the World Wars. One of its unique features is the chandelier room: chandeliers made of artillery shells and swords hang from the ceiling, symbolizing both the horrors of war and the hope for peace.<\/p>\n
We then used public transportation to reach our next destination. Along the way, we experienced a bit of everyday city life. Many of us began to reflect on the fact that soon, we too would be living in big cities\u2014if not in Serbia, then elsewhere\u2014where buses and trams will become part of our daily routine.<\/p>\n
Eventually, we arrived at the Nikola Tesla Museum. A short film introduced us to Tesla\u2019s life, followed by exciting demonstrations\u2014some of which we could even take part in ourselves. Thanks to the museum\u2019s interactive elements, we gained a lot of new knowledge. After dinner, those with the energy joined an evening walk, where we had the chance to experience Belgrade\u2019s architectural diversity more intimately.\u201d
\n\u2014Tilda Tamasi, J\u00e1szs\u00e1g Group 3<\/p>\n
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Tuesday:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cOn Tuesday, we set off again, this time heading to the Golubac Fortress. Set in a picturesque location on the banks of the Danube, we spent several enjoyable hours exploring the fortress. Golubac\u2019s most famous siege victory is tied to the name of P\u00e1l Kinizsi, and throughout the day, we traveled back in time to the 15th century. The exhibition guided us through the battle\u2019s progression and the layout of the fortress, including bastions submerged by the Danube. Our guide told us about the fortress\u2019s history and recent renovations. The modern experience center surrounding the historical site has become increasingly popular with tourists, emphasized by a key phrase from the short film we watched: \u2018Every happy ending is the beginning of something new.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n The Golubac Fortress stands at the entrance of the Iron Gates Gorge\u2014the narrowest and deepest part of the Danube in the region. The scenery was simply breathtaking. On our way back, we made a short detour for lunch. We got to taste a local specialty, \u0107evapi<\/em>, a popular dish across the Balkans made from spiced minced meat and onions, with a distinctive, mildly smoky flavor. To top off the day, we visited one of Belgrade\u2019s free beaches, where we had the chance to swim, play volleyball, and relax. It was another day full of adventures. Thank you for the experience!\u201d Wednesday:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cThe sun had barely risen when we were already on the road. A new day awaited us\u2014not just with new places but new stories. As the bus quietly moved forward, we had a strange feeling: today we wouldn\u2019t just cross cities, but eras.<\/p>\n Our first stop was Novi Sad\u2014Serbia\u2019s second-largest city\u2014which felt strangely familiar. Perhaps it was the Danube, the occasional Hungarian words in the air, or simply the atmosphere of the city, which reminded us of Szeged\u2019s slightly eccentric cousin.<\/p>\n The Petrovaradin Fortress, our destination, wasn\u2019t just a building\u2014it was a living monument. Walking among its massive stones, we had the sense that it was watching us. It\u2019s no surprise that the place is called the \u2018Gibraltar of the Danube\u2019\u2014its strategic strongholds and scenic views radiate a power that\u2019s hard to describe. From above, the Danube flowed solemnly yet peacefully beneath us, as if it wanted to tell us stories\u2014but its voice was too deep to understand.<\/p>\n After saying goodbye to Novi Sad, we headed towards Osijek in Croatia. The landscape gradually changed, almost imperceptibly\u2014a new country, a new city, but the same inner silence and curiosity accompanied us. That evening, walking along the Drava River in the last rays of sunlight, we talked\u2014and sometimes just remained silent. We didn\u2019t need a map or guide. We simply walked, and the river carried away the day\u2019s thoughts.<\/p>\n There weren\u2019t many events, but there was presence. A feeling that what we were seeing and experiencing at that moment couldn\u2019t be repeated. It felt like the past wasn\u2019t just in books\u2014but in the reflection of the water, the cracks in the stones, or a whispered sentence on a riverbank walk.\u201d Thursday:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cUnfortunately, today\u2019s morning program had to be moved to the afternoon due to bad weather. The morning rain and gloomy skies didn\u2019t allow for a safe and enjoyable outdoor program. Thankfully, the weather improved in the afternoon, and at 2 PM we visited the beautiful Kopa\u010dki Rit, one of the most unique and biodiverse wetland habitats in the Danube\u2013Drava National Park. The program began with a short but very informative introduction given by one of the park staff. We learned about the area’s history, ecological significance, and the species living there. Then came the boat trip, where we could admire the fascinating wildlife and serene waterscapes up close. Along the reeds and oxbow lakes, we often spotted egrets, grey herons, and white-tailed eagles. The joyful mood stayed with us the whole time\u2014everyone enjoyed both nature and each other\u2019s company. This shared experience not only offered relaxation but brought us closer together. We hope that next time the weather will be kinder, and we\u2019ll be able to follow our program as originally planned!\u201d Friday:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cWe began our day in Syrmia, 36 kilometers from Osijek. I\u2019ve long wanted to visit this area since my grandparents spent a lot of time here visiting family friends in Vukovar. We started the morning at the Vukovar Memorial Site, where most of us not only saw military vehicles but could also climb into them and experience what it\u2019s like to be inside such machines. We then continued to the water tower, which was both shocking and symbolic\u2014representing the losses and sacrifices of war, as well as the triumph of survival, as we admired the view beside a huge Croatian flag on the rooftop terrace. At the nearby cemetery, we laid a bouquet in memory of those who died during the 87-day siege.<\/p>\n The siege began in August 1991 between the Yugoslav People\u2019s Army and Croatian forces. The cause was the nationalist policies of Slobodan Milo\u0161evi\u0107 and Croatian President Franjo Tu\u0111man, which led to the breakup of Yugoslavia and armed uprising of Croatian Serbs, supported by the Serbian government and paramilitary groups. In May 1991, conflict broke out in the East Slavonia region of Croatia. In August, the JNA attacked Croatian-controlled parts of Eastern Slavonia, including Vukovar. The siege officially began on August 25, 1991. It became the most destructive and longest battle in Europe since WWII. Vukovar was the first major European city to be completely destroyed since that war. The water tower, heavily damaged during the siege, became a symbol of the conflict in 2010 and has been preserved in its ruined state. Today, the site functions as a museum.<\/p>\n When the city fell on November 18, 1991, Serbian forces massacred hundreds of soldiers and civilians and deported at least 31,000 civilians from the city and surrounding areas. The war losses are estimated between 4,000 and 5,000 people\u2014Vukovar lost 60% of its population. The city remained part of the Republic of Serbian Krajina until 1995. We ended this eventful day\u2014and the camp itself\u2014at Aquapark Bizovac, where we could swim and cool down in the pools to our hearts\u2019 content.<\/p>\n With full hearts and new knowledge, Groups Nagybajom 2 and J\u00e1szs\u00e1g 3 close this adventurous week. We thank our mentors and the Foundation for this wonderful experience!\u201d
\n\u2014Mil\u00e1n Vajda, Nagybajom Group 2<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.csanyialapitvany.hu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/1000025680-300x225.jpg\")
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\n\u2014Gyula Pege, J\u00e1szs\u00e1g Group 3<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.csanyialapitvany.hu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/1000026076-225x300.jpg\")
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\n\u2014Orsolya Varga (J\u00e1szs\u00e1g Group 3), Anna Horv\u00e1th (junior mentor, J\u00e1szs\u00e1g Group 1)<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.csanyialapitvany.hu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/1000026125-300x225.jpg\")
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\n\u2014Bogl\u00e1rka Szalai, Nagybajom Group 2<\/p>\n
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